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D-backs to get comp pick for FA-to-be Loux

D-backs to get comp pick for FA-to-be Loux

The Draft deadline may have passed Monday night, but there were still some loose ends being tied up Tuesday morning in the case of the Arizona Diamondbacks and their first-round pick, Barret Loux.

According to a statement released by the team on Tuesday morning, an agreement was reached regarding the status of Loux. Commissioner Bud Selig announced that Loux will be a free agent as of Sept. 1, making him free to sign with any Major League club. As compensation, the D-backs will receive the seventh overall pick (pick 6A) in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, per the normal procedure for unsigned Draftees.

The right-hander, drafted out of Texas A&M with the sixth overall pick, failed his physical in July, which led to a breakdown in negotiations prior to the signing deadline. However, the details of Loux's negotiations and the physical were not addressed by the team.

Loux underwent surgery in 2009 to eradicate bone chips from his right elbow but bounced back to go 11-2 with a 2.83 ERA for Texas A&M. Loux also had an additional year of collegiate eligibility left with the Aggies.

Although the specific circumstances in Loux's case were not clarified by the D-backs, the club's statement offered hope that the situation might initiate conversation between baseball's powers that be.

"The agreement also provides an opportunity for the Commissioner's Office and the Players Association globally to the address the issues that can arise from questions concerning a drafted player's health," the team's statement said.

Bailey Stephens is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.